The Cardinals' quarterback situation is a fascinating conundrum, one that could boil down to a matter of contract and compensation. Jacoby Brissett, the current starter, is discontent with his role as a backup and has yet to secure a fair contract to reflect his status as the team's primary quarterback. This discontent has led to a tense standoff, with Brissett opting out of the voluntary offseason program and only attending the mandatory minicamp and training camp. The question arises: will he continue to fulfill the extra duties typically expected of a starting quarterback, such as putting in extra work and acting as a player-coach, if his contract remains unchanged? Brissett's decision to represent himself in negotiations adds another layer of complexity, as it could potentially lead to a breakdown in communication and a lack of trust between the player and the team.
The Cardinals have the means to avoid this potential crisis by offering Brissett a fair contract, reflecting his value as a starter. The salary range for veteran starters is substantial, starting in the low 20s and extending into the mid-60s. However, Brissett's current contract, signed in 2025, averages only $6.25 million annually, which is significantly lower than what other teams are willing to pay for starting quarterbacks. This disparity could be a strategic move by the Cardinals, as they are currently in a division with three Super Bowl contenders, making it easier to accept a lower playoff position in 2026 and improve their draft position for 2027. This strategy could potentially allow them to draft one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming class, unless Arch Manning decides to play for another team.
The Cardinals also have the rookie Carson Beck, who will undoubtedly get a chance to play. The team needs to assess Beck's potential to be a year-to-year starter before committing to drafting a quarterback in the next year's draft. This is a reminder of their previous move, where they drafted Kyler Murray with the first pick after trading up to No. 10 to select Josh Rosen, despite passing on Lamar Jackson. So, while there is no official quarterback competition in Arizona, the situation with Brissett could escalate into one if he refuses to accept the starting role until he is paid accordingly. The Cardinals must carefully navigate this delicate balance to ensure a harmonious and productive quarterback situation.
